7 Money-Saving Tips For Allergy-Friendly Diets

Being gluten-free or eating with your food allergy in mind can significantly and drastically help you feel better if you have a gluten or food intolerance, but often times allergy friendly products you find at the supermarket or specialty stores can be costly.

If you're looking to save some money and still eat gluten-free, you're in luck. Thanks to Alicia Woodward, editor-in-chief of Living Without, specializes in information for people with food sensitivities and allergies.

2) Cook more dishes from scratch. Use gluten-free whole grains and starches vs. prepared products and commercial mixes. Whole brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, millet, teff, sorghum and buckwheat are less expensive than their processed counterparts. They’re simple to prepare and offer more nutrients for the money, making them a better nutritional value.

3) Enjoy the hunt. Coupons for gluten-free and allergy-friendly products do exist but they can be hard to find. Think of the search as a game and have fun with your couponing. Once you see the savings, you may catch the “coupon high” and get hooked.

4) Use websites and social media. "Like" your favorite allergy-friendly brands on Facebook and follow them on Twitter, as companies often post coupons for their social media followers. Visit the companies' websites for special incentives, as well as sites like glutenfreedeals.com that regularly offer discounts.

6) Shop the sales. Pick up extra meat when it's on sale and freeze it until you need it. Stock up on your preferred products on sale, and use coupons to increase your savings.

7) Buy in season - Fresh produce in season is less expensive. Additionally, seasonal produce typically travels shorter distances to your table, so it's more flavorful - and better for the environment, as well.

Living with a food intolerance can be difficult, but you can help keep the cost down by following Alicia's top 7 tips.

I am completely gluten free (not through choice) and we are a vegetarian family so our trips to the grocery store are a bit different.

I do check out the specialty gluten free aisles for decent pasta and bread and also pick up some frozen Amy's Organics brand for vegan/vegetarian gluten free (totally delicious) as well as gluten free vegan burgers (not easy to find). But as the article mentioned, it's the fresh produce area that we need to pounce on and also stock up on proteins in almonds, walnuts, tofu, unprocessed cheeses and the like - most of these are all in the produce aisles too.

Unfortunately, these allergies and choices are far more expensive than normal foods but when one isn't a choice, sometimes you have to suck it up. Eating seasonally is a great way to save money and buying in bulk when practical helps too.

Great tips, thanks so much!

Susan

PS - if you email a specialty company to tell them you love their foods, most will email you coupons!

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